USS Maryland SSBN-738
The USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is a standout in the U.S. Navy's fleet, part of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. Her journey began with the keel laying on April 22, 1986, at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics in Groton, Connecticut. She was launched on August 10, 1991, and officially joined the fleet on June 13, 1992. Built with cutting-edge technology, the USS Maryland plays a vital role in the Navy's strategic deterrence.
Named after the state of Maryland, this submarine honors a region with deep naval roots. Maryland, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a rich maritime history. Naming the sub after Maryland acknowledges the state's contributions to national defense. The USS Maryland is the fourth naval vessel to carry this name, continuing a proud tradition of service.
The USS Maryland is impressive in size and power. As an Ohio-class submarine, she's 560 feet long and displaces about 18,750 tons when submerged. She's armed with 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, each capable of carrying multiple warheads. This makes her a formidable deterrent, ensuring the U.S. maintains a strong nuclear triad. Powered by a nuclear reactor, she can stay submerged for long periods without refueling.
The USS Maryland's legacy is all about national security and strategic stability. As part of the Navy's ballistic missile submarine fleet, she plays a key role in the continuous at-sea deterrence mission, a cornerstone of U.S. nuclear strategy. Her presence deters potential nuclear threats, reassures allies, and helps maintain global peace. Over the years, she's proven her reliability and effectiveness through numerous patrols and exercises.
Ohio-class submarines, like the USS Maryland, are designed for strategic deterrence. They're the largest submarines ever built for the U.S. Navy and are among the most advanced globally. Their main mission is to provide a secure platform for nuclear missiles, ensuring the U.S. can respond to threats with overwhelming force. The design and capabilities of these subs highlight the importance of a strong nuclear deterrent.
The commissioning of the USS Maryland was a milestone, marking her readiness to join the Navy's strategic forces. The ceremony on June 13, 1992, was a big event, attended by naval officials, dignitaries, and the crew's families. It symbolized her readiness to defend the nation. Since then, the USS Maryland has been a key player in strategic deterrence operations, patrolling the oceans to ensure the security of the U.S. and its allies.
USS Maryland SSBN-738: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, a key player in the United States' strategic deterrent force. It's built for stealth, endurance, and survivability. At 560 feet long with a 42-foot beam, it navigates ocean depths with ease. Its hull, made from high-strength steel, withstands deep-sea pressures. The submarine's sleek design reduces noise, making it hard for enemies to detect. Inside, every inch is used wisely for crew quarters, operations, and tech systems.
The USS Maryland is a technological wonder. Powered by a nuclear reactor, it has virtually unlimited range and can stay submerged for long periods. This lets it operate undetected worldwide. Its sonar systems are top-notch, detecting and classifying contacts from afar. With advanced navigation and communication systems, it performs well even in tough conditions. These technologies help the USS Maryland excel in its main mission: strategic deterrence.
Armed with 24 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles, the USS Maryland is a force to be reckoned with. Each missile can carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) and has a range of over 7,000 miles. These missiles deliver nuclear warheads with precision, offering a strong deterrent against threats. The missile tubes are arranged in two rows along the midsection, ready for rapid launches if needed. This powerful arsenal ensures the USS Maryland can respond decisively in a nuclear conflict.
Besides its ballistic missiles, the USS Maryland carries torpedoes for self-defense and anti-submarine warfare. It has four 21-inch torpedo tubes for launching Mk 48 torpedoes, effective against surface ships and submarines. This mix of ballistic missiles and torpedoes makes the USS Maryland a versatile and formidable asset in the U.S. Navy. Its stealth, advanced tech, and powerful weapons keep it a vital part of America's strategic deterrent force.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Maryland (SSBN-738) guestbook posts provide a rich tapestry of memories from its crewmembers, spanning from its commissioning in the early 1990s to the early 2000s. These recollections paint a vivid picture of life aboard the submarine, highlighting both the camaraderie and the challenges faced by the crew.
Early Years and Commissioning: Several crewmembers, such as Clifford Barnes and Scott Bock, recall the pride of being plankowners, the original crew members who brought the USS Maryland into service. Bock, who served as a Lieutenant, reminisces about being one of the first officers aboard, while John Dixon and Michael Holt recount the initial manning and sea trials, including the arduous task of cleaning up after the shipbuilders and the excitement of the first voyages.
Memorable Experiences: The posts are filled with anecdotes of both good and bad times. For instance, Joseph Biebrich remembers the harsh winters in Electric Boat (EB) shipyard and the overwhelming size of the submarine. Tim Bradley and Areon Jackson reflect on the character-building experiences and the lasting impact of their service. Meanwhile, Casey Young humorously recalls trying to navigate the boat out of the Mediterranean with a hangover and enjoying time in the Bahamas during sonar trials.
Challenges and Regrets: Not all memories are fond. Bobby Adams describes his time aboard as akin to pledging a fraternity, with significant hazing and poor leadership. Similarly, Andrew Bush and Brian Cline express regrets about their conduct and decisions during their service. Many, like William Corey and Sean Monahan, acknowledge the tough times but also the valuable lessons learned.
Camaraderie and Lasting Bonds: The sense of brotherhood is a recurring theme. Joe Botelho praises the respect shown to the cooks, while Bill Bozell and Christopher Durham express a desire to reconnect with old shipmates. The posts are filled with shout-outs to fellow crewmembers, such as Gerald Ware seeking contact with Roger Gonzales and Bob Whitley reminiscing about the great memories and hoping to hear from old friends.
Career Reflections: Many crewmembers have gone on to successful careers post-Navy. Chris Daugherty now designs nuclear plants for Westinghouse, while William Foreman became an attorney in Dallas. Others, like Matthew Miller and Bill Gilbert, transitioned into the civilian nuclear industry. Some, like Jon St John and Morton Scisco, found new paths in different fields but still cherish their time aboard the USS Maryland.
Apologies and Acknowledgments: Several posts include apologies for past behavior, indicating a sense of reflection and growth. Bobby Adams apologizes for slapping a Petty Officer, while Andrew Bush expresses regret for letting his division down. These apologies highlight the personal growth and the lasting impact of their experiences on the submarine.
Unique Experiences: The posts also capture unique and humorous moments. Jeremy Watson recalls Stanley in the engine room making whale calls, much to the amusement of the senior officers. Tom Gorey humorously notes that things worked better without educated men in charge forward during his watch.
Final Thoughts: Overall, the guestbook posts from the USS Maryland (SSBN-738) crewmembers provide a multifaceted view of life aboard the submarine. They reflect a mix of pride, camaraderie, challenges, and personal growth. The shared experiences, both good and bad, have left an indelible mark on those who served, creating a lasting bond among the crewmembers.
USS Maryland SSBN-738: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Maryland (SSBN-738) is a proud member of the Ohio-class fleet of ballistic missile submarines. Since it was commissioned in 1992, it's seen a lot of upgrades. These changes keep it a key player in the U.S. strategic deterrent force. One big upgrade was the switch to the Trident II D5 missile system, which replaced the older Trident I C4 missiles. The Trident II D5 is more accurate, has a longer range, and can carry a bigger payload. This ensures the USS Maryland stays a strong and reliable deterrent. The sub has also gotten tech boosts like advanced sonar, better navigation, and top-notch communication systems. All these make it more effective and harder to detect.
The USS Maryland's main job is as a strategic deterrent. As an SSBN, its primary mission is to be ready to launch nuclear missiles if needed. Its stealth and ability to stay underwater for long periods mean it can go undetected in the world's oceans. This is key for keeping a constant at-sea deterrent, which is a big part of the U.S. nuclear strategy. The sub also has advanced electronic warfare systems and countermeasures to help it avoid detection and deal with threats.
But the USS Maryland does more than just deterrence. It takes part in training exercises and joint operations with allied navies, which helps build teamwork and strengthen international ties. When it's in strategic areas, it sends a strong message about the U.S.'s commitment to global security. The crew is highly trained and goes through tough certification processes to make sure they're ready to carry out their mission with skill and professionalism. This readiness is a big part of why the U.S. Navy's submarine force is so effective and reliable.
The USS Maryland also helps the fleet in other ways. It's a platform for testing new technologies and tactics, giving valuable insights for future submarine warfare developments. Its long service life and ongoing upgrades show how effective the Navy's maintenance and modernization programs are. This ensures Ohio-class submarines remain a crucial part of the U.S. strategic deterrent for years to come. The USS Maryland's ongoing presence and capabilities highlight its importance to national security and its role in maintaining a credible and effective deterrent posture.
USS Maryland SSBN-738: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
USS Maryland (SSBN-738) has been a cornerstone of the United States' strategic deterrence since it joined the fleet in 1992. As an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, it's all about deploying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. This ensures a credible and survivable nuclear deterrent. The Maryland has completed numerous deterrent patrols, often spending months at sea. This constant presence is crucial for the U.S. Navy's mission to provide a secure second-strike capability, deterring any potential nuclear threats.
Throughout its service, the USS Maryland has been part of several key operations and exercises that highlight its strategic importance. While many of these missions are classified, the submarine has taken part in joint exercises with allied navies. This boosts interoperability and shows the U.S.'s commitment to collective security. During times of global tension, the presence of the Maryland and its sister ships acts as a strong deterrent. It reassures allies and signals to adversaries the readiness and resolve of the U.S. Navy.
In terms of recognition, the USS Maryland has earned numerous awards and commendations for its operational excellence and the professionalism of its crew. It's received the Battle Efficiency "E" award multiple times, which goes to the best-performing units in the fleet. This award highlights the crew's skills in tactical operations, engineering, and overall mission readiness. The submarine is also recognized for its safety record and strict maintenance standards, ensuring its continued reliability and effectiveness.
The crew of the USS Maryland has been honored for their individual and collective achievements. Sailors aboard have received personal awards like the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. These accolades recognize their exceptional service and dedication. They reflect the high standards maintained by the crew and add to the vessel's prestige within the fleet. As the USS Maryland continues its service, it stands as a testament to the enduring strength and capability of the U.S. Navy's submarine force.
USS Maryland SSBN-738 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Ohio Class Ballistic Missile Submarine |
| Commissioned | June 13, 1992 |
| Displacement | 18,750 tons |
| Length | 560 feet |
| Beam | 42 feet |
| Draft | 29 feet |
| Speed | 25 knots |
| Complement | 155 |